Abstract: In some embodiments, a rotorcraft flight control actuator includes a driving member configured to receive mechanical energy from a power source, a driven member, a magnetorheological (MR) fluid disposed between the driving member and the driven member and configured to transmit a variable amount of mechanical energy from the driving member to the driven member, an output member configured to be coupled between the driven member and a flight control device of a rotor system, and a magnetic circuit configured to deliver a magnetic field towards the MR fluid, the magnetic circuit configured to vary the strength of the magnetic field in response to inputs.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a redundant control system includes first and second control systems, having first and second clutches, and a shared clutch system. The shared clutch system may include a shared shaft configured to receive mechanical energy from a shared power source, a first shared clutch corresponding to the first clutch and configured to receive mechanical energy from the shared shaft, and a second shared clutch corresponding to the second clutch and configured to receive mechanical energy from the shared shaft. A first linkage provides mechanical communication between an output of the first clutch, an output of the first shared clutch, and a first output device in mechanical communication with the rotor system. A second linkage provides mechanical communication between an output of the second clutch, an output of the second shared clutch, and a second output device in mechanical communication with the rotor system.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an actuation system includes a plurality of threaded member portions, a plurality of roller nuts, a driving member configured to receive mechanical energy from a power source, a plurality of driven members, and a magnetorheological (MR) fluid disposed between the plurality of driven members and at least one braking surface. An output member may be coupled between the rotor system and either the plurality of threaded member portions or the plurality of roller nuts and configured to translate linearly in response to the threaded member portions advancing or receding within the roller nuts.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a trim actuator for a pilot input device includes a driven member and a driving member configured to receive mechanical energy from a power source. A magnetorheological (MR) fluid is disposed between the driving member and the driven member and configured to transmit a variable amount of mechanical energy from the driving member to the driven member such that the driven member moves in a first direction. An output member configured to be coupled between the driven member and the pilot input device. A spring is in mechanical communication with the output member and configured to apply a force in a second direction opposite of the first direction. A magnetic circuit is configured to control movement of the pilot input device by varying the strength of a magnetic field delivered towards the first MR fluid.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a trim actuator for a pilot input device includes a driven member and a driving member configured to receive mechanical energy from a power source. A magnetorheological (MR) fluid is disposed between the driving member and the driven member and configured to transmit a variable amount of mechanical energy from the driving member to the driven member. An output member configured to be coupled between the driven member and the pilot input device. A magnetic circuit configured to deliver a magnetic field towards the MR fluid. The magnetic circuit is configured to control movement of the pilot input device by varying the strength of the magnetic field delivered towards the first MR fluid.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an actuation system includes a plurality of threaded member portions, a plurality of roller nuts, a driving member configured to receive mechanical energy from a power source, a plurality of driven members, and a magnetorheological (MR) fluid disposed between the plurality of driven members and at least one braking surface. An output member may be coupled between the rotor system and either the plurality of threaded member portions or the plurality of roller nuts and configured to translate linearly in response to the threaded member portions advancing or receding within the roller nuts.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a redundant control system includes first and second control systems, having first and second clutches, and a shared clutch system. The shared clutch system may include a shared shaft configured to receive mechanical energy from a shared power source, a first shared clutch corresponding to the first clutch and configured to receive mechanical energy from the shared shaft, and a second shared clutch corresponding to the second clutch and configured to receive mechanical energy from the shared shaft. A first linkage provides mechanical communication between an output of the first clutch, an output of the first shared clutch, and a first output device in mechanical communication with the rotor system. A second linkage provides mechanical communication between an output of the second clutch, an output of the second shared clutch, and a second output device in mechanical communication with the rotor system.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an actuation system includes a plurality of threaded member portions, a plurality of roller nuts, a driving member configured to receive mechanical energy from a power source, a plurality of driven members, and a magnetorheological (MR) fluid disposed between the plurality of driven members and at least one braking surface. An output member may be coupled between the rotor system and either the plurality of threaded member portions or the plurality of roller nuts and configured to translate linearly in response to the threaded member portions advancing or receding within the roller nuts.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a rotorcraft flight control actuator includes a driving member configured to receive mechanical energy from a power source, a driven member, a magnetorheological (MR) fluid disposed between the driving member and the driven member and configured to transmit a variable amount of mechanical energy from the driving member to the driven member, an output member configured to be coupled between the driven member and a flight control device of a rotor system, and a magnetic circuit configured to deliver a magnetic field towards the MR fluid, the magnetic circuit configured to vary the strength of the magnetic field in response to inputs.